3 days Ago By Nisha Nambiar
Pune: The state chief electoral office has identified and put under special focus more than 10,000 polling booths that witnessed poor turnout in previous elections to boost voter participation in the Nov 20 assembly poll. These booths, part of the total 1 lakh such booths across the state, are now under special focus for comprehensive voter slip distribution in the first phase. "We are aiming for 100% voter slip distribution across the state," additional CEO P Pradeep told TOI on Saturday.
The drive particularly targets urban centres like Mumbai, Pune and Thane, where the process of voter slip distribution has commenced. These centres have historically seen lower participation rates. "To tackle logistical challenges, election officials have set up 241 auxiliary polling stations, supplementing the existing 1 lakh booths.
We have reduced the voter load at stations that previously handled over 1,500 electors, ensuring smoother operations and easier access," a senior election official said. With 9.7 crore registered voters in the state, poll officials have been directed to leverage various communication channels, particularly in the urban areas, to motivate citizens to exercise their franchise.
The focus remains on the 15 assembly constituencies that recorded below-par turnout in 2019, with special emphasis on urban pockets of Mumbai, Pune and Thane. In Friday's review meeting, CEC Rajiv Kumar pulled up officials over the stark urban-rural voter divide. Drawing a striking comparison, Kumar said, "When voters in regions like Bastar and Gadchiroli can record 68% and 78% turnout, respectively, why should urban areas in Mumbai and Pune lag at 40%?" Kumar's concerns stem from the dismal voting patterns in urban areas.
He cited recent examples from other states – Manipur recorded a robust 78% turnout in the 2024 general election, while Mumbai South saw nearly half its voters staying away. "Even more concerning is the voter apathy in upscale areas. In Haryana's recent polls, posh societies in Gurgaon and Faridabad logged a mere 20% turnout, despite having polling booths within their premises," an official said.
The CEC drew attention to high participation rates in sensitive regions like Jammu & Kashmir, where constituencies such as Doda, Reasi, Poonch, and Rajouri crossed 70% turnout. "Gorrow in Kishtwar achieved 100% participation. This shows what's possible with proper engagement," Kumar emphasized.
The state election officials have directed all district election officers to ensure 100 % voter slip distribution..
